Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Fall is quickly approaching, leaves are turning the beautiful colors we love to drive around and look at, and the age-old debate arises about whether or not we should clean up the leaves in our yard. You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it — we’ve all probably participated in the conversation — so we want to dive into this conundrum to determine if or when it’s better to leave the leaves. 

Mayflies. We heard about them a lot this summer. Images and videos of them under streetlights, blanketing cars, and clouding sidewalks went viral on social media. They often get a bad reputation and are called a nuisance “river bug,” but the presence of mayflies along the Cannon and Straight Rivers actually indicates improved water quality. 

In our increasingly urbanized world, managing stormwater runoff has become crucial for maintaining the health of our environment and communities. One of the most effective tools in this endeavor is the stormwater retention pond. But what exactly is a stormwater retention pond, and why is it so important?

Foraging may initially seem unconventional, especially when focusing on invasive plants. However, these plants cause profound environmental damage to our native ecosystems, and removing them can directly counteract stormwater issues.

Congratulations to Addison Blumhoefer (Grades 2-3) and Elise Detert (Grades 4-5) for winning first place in the 2025 Northfield Stormwater Pollution Solutions Poster Contest!

Ready to make a difference? Discover the power of rain barrels in our latest article! Learn how capturing rainwater can save you money, support your garden, and help protect our environment. Plus, find out how you can get a rebate right here in Northfield!

During harsh Minnesota winters, we rely on salt to keep roads and sidewalks safe, but using too much can harm our local lakes and streams. High levels of salt can threaten aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. To help, shovel snow often, use salt sparingly, and sweep up any leftover salt. Your efforts can make a big difference!

As fall brings fallen leaves and rain, it's essential to recognize that improper disposal can lead to significant pollution in our rivers and lakes, particularly from phosphorus that fuels harmful algae growth. To help, consider shredding leaves for compost or delivering them to municipal sites, and ensure proper disposal of other pollutants like oil and paint to keep our waterways clean.

Clean River Partners, the City of Northfield, and HealthFinders Collaborative organized a special event called "Nuestra Agua, Nuestras Vidas" (Our Water, Our Lives) at Bridge Square. The event aimed to connect with the local Latine community, raise awareness about water-related issues, and empower residents to advocate for improvements in drinking water and local water bodies.

Learn how pet waste can harm water quality and human health, and find practical solutions to protect our local environment.